Today (the 14th) fashion week officially kicks off in London. Twice a year, the banks of the Thames play host to the world’s biggest style mavens as their well-trodden Louboutins navigate between the shows of designers like Burberry Prorsum and Rag & Bone. Here’s how to get in on the action even if you don’t have a ticket to a show.
Vintage pop-ups:
Fashion, like history, is continuously repeating itself. If you can’t afford to buy the latest trend, look for the vintage version by scouting out one of the many vintage pop-up shops taking place across the city.
Old Spitalfields Market Vintage Fair
On September 15th, make your way to Old Spitalfields Market for their monthly vintage fair. Free admission gives you access to an array of ladies fashions and menswear. Designer pieces as well as quality vintage clothing will be on hand as well as a wide range of vintage jewellery and fashion accessories that will provide the necessary finishing touches. If clothing’s not your thing, retro furnishings, housewares, vintage posters, antique maps and a selection of collectables will also be available.
16 Horner Square, 07716 295998
The Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair
(Image courtesy of Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair)
On the 16th, the Old Finsbury Town Hall will play host to London’s leading fashion, accessory and textile event celebrating fashion from the 1800s to 1980s. The show will carry vintage apparel and designer pieces from fifty of the city’s most well-known traders.
Rosebery Avenue and Garnault Place, www.clerkenwellvintagefashionfair.co.uk
Designer Sales:
As the new product comes in, the old (but still stylish) goes out making for massive sales on end of stock and sample items from top designer brands.
Designer Sales UK Sample Sale
Get your elbows ready for this one-day-only flash sale taking place in Mayfair on the 19th. With big name brands like Vivian Westwood, Margiela, Jimmy Choo, Viktor & Rolf and Prada marked at up to 90% off retail, there’s sure to be a fashion frenzy.
Mayfair Music Rooms, 26 South Molton Lane, designersales.co.uk
The Designer Jumbo Sale
(Image courtesy of the Designer Jumbo Sale)
Again, big brands like Alexander McQueen, Marni, Mulberry, YSL, Yohji Yamamoto and Alaia get the 90% off treatment at this 2-day sale on the 19th and 20th. This sale was founded by Vogue.com editor-in-chief Abi Chisman and is supported by London Fashion Week. Check out their twitter page for details and prices on specific items available.
The Church of the Annunciation, Bryanston Street, designerjumble.weebly.com
London Fashion Weekend:
(Image courtesy of London Fashion Weekend)
Unlike the shows, this event is open to the public. If you’re bored of the usual stalwarts on Oxford Street, High Street Ken, Soho, Carnaby Street and Covet Garden but you don’t want to deal with the madness of flash sales, head to Somerset House, London Fashion Week headquarters, for 2-days of shopping, runway shows, pop-up shops and relaxing cocktail bars.
Mini shops by British favourites like Pringle of Scotland, Jaeger London, Twenty8Twelve and Linda Farrow will fill the space as well as pieces from up-and-comers Holly Fulton, Sophie Hulme, James Long and Maria Francesca Pepe. There will also be a massive “Shoe Room” showcasing footwear by Finsk, French Sole and Love from Australia, among others.
(Image courtesy of London Fashion Weekend)
If you don’t want to shop at all but want to walk away with something British in hand, pick up one of the limited edition show bags designed by legendary British fashion house Mulberry. Inside you’ll find luxury good from the show’s fashion and beauty sponsors.
For more information, visit londonfashionweekend.co.uk
